About Haberdashers' Monmouth School
Haberdashers' Monmouth School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Monmouth, in the Wye Valley in Wales, founded in 1614 by William Jones. In 2024 the former Monmouth School for Boys and Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls merged into a single co-educational school for pupils aged 3–18, with around 935 pupils. As an independent school it charges fees — around £5,300 a term for day pupils (about £16,000 a year; confirm the current figure), with boarding higher.
Entry to Year 7 is by the school's own assessment — an online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly known as CEM Select), assessing Verbal, Non-Verbal and Numerical Reasoning, together with a written English paper (rewarding imagination and clear writing) and an interview.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Haberdashers' Monmouth School
Haberdashers' Monmouth runs its own admissions. Register online directly with the school (apply by early November of Year 6). The 11+ assessment combines an online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly known as CEM Select) — covering Verbal, Non-Verbal and Numerical Reasoning, taken on a computer — with a written English paper and an interview to talk about your child's interests, hobbies and strengths. Means-tested support includes the West Wales Bursary (up to 25% off fees) and Forces discounts.
Academic Performance at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Haberdashers’ Monmouth School is one of the leading independent schools in Wales, with consistently strong results across a broad curriculum.
- GCSE: a high proportion of strong grades across a wide range of subjects.
- A-Level: strong A-Level results, with most leavers progressing to leading universities.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities in the UK and beyond.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Haberdashers' Monmouth School
As an independent school, Monmouth has no catchment area; pupils travel in from across South Wales, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, and boarding is available. Places are awarded on the assessment and interview.
Monmouth offers academic, music and sport scholarships plus means-tested bursaries, including the West Wales Bursary (up to 25% off fees) and reduced boarding fees for Service families; apply alongside your entry application.
Subjects Tested at Haberdashers' Monmouth School
The Monmouth 11+ combines an online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly known as CEM Select), assessing Verbal, Non-Verbal and Numerical Reasoning on a computer, with a written English paper (rewarding imagination, structure and clear writing) and an interview. The reasoning test identifies potential rather than just learned knowledge.
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View Independent 11+ practice papers →Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1614 through the legacy of William Jones and the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers (with a girls’ school added in 1892), the Monmouth schools came together in 2024 as a single co-educational school, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, for pupils aged 3–18 in the Wye Valley. It is known for exemplary pastoral care and a strong family feel, with around a fifth of pupils boarding, and has an Anglican foundation.
The school has a prolific sporting tradition (notably in rugby, cricket and rowing) and an exceptional musical life, with a touring chapel choir, alongside outdoor activities and the performing arts. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Haberdashers' Monmouth School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Monmouth at 11+?
Register online directly with the school and apply by early November of Year 6. Your child sits an online Cambridge Select Insight test and a written English paper, with an interview.
What is the Monmouth entrance process?
An online Cambridge Select Insight test (formerly CEM Select) covering Verbal, Non-Verbal and Numerical Reasoning, plus a written English paper and an interview.
Is it a CEM test?
It is the Cambridge Select Insight test, formerly known as CEM Select (now run by Cambridge); it is used as the school's own reasoning assessment, not a shared consortium test.
Is Monmouth selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective co-educational independent day and boarding school, so it charges fees (around £5,300 a term for day pupils, about £16,000 a year; confirm the current figure, with boarding higher).
Is Monmouth co-educational?
Yes — since the 2024 merger of the boys' and girls' schools, Haberdashers' Monmouth School is co-educational for pupils aged 3–18.
Does Monmouth offer boarding?
Yes — it is a day and boarding school in the Wye Valley, drawing families from South Wales, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
Is financial support available?
Yes — means-tested bursaries plus the West Wales Bursary (up to 25% off fees) and reduced boarding fees for Service families eligible for the Continuity of Education Allowance.
Does Monmouth have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits pupils from any area.
How can my child prepare?
Practise the online reasoning format (verbal, non-verbal and numerical) and develop clear, imaginative written English. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.
Start preparing for the Haberdashers' Monmouth Schools 11+
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